Review: Astrid the Astronaut: The Astronomically Grand Plan

Astrid the Astronaut: The Astronomically Grand Plan

Written by Rie Neal

Illustrated by Talitha Shipman

Aladdin, an imprint of Simon & Schuster Children's Publishing Division, 2022. Intermediate. 97 pages.

Astrid's Astronomically Grand Plan has many steps, but they all lead up to her being the first astronaut in space who uses hearing aids. She is finally old enough to join the STEM after-school program called the Shooting Stars, where they do activities and projects to learn about space. Joining this club with her best friend, Hallie, is just one of the steps in her grand plan. Astrid has to make a new plan and new friends when it turns out that her best friend would rather do the art club. She learns to make new friends, work together, and that there's more than one way to solve a problem.

There are so many elements of this book that young readers can connect to. It is so relatable with the themes of friendship, growth mindset, and teamwork. STEM and space enthusiasts will love the Astrid the Astronaut series.

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